Undergraduate Retention Coordinator

Department: Univ Enrollment
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

The expected salary for this position is between $77,000 - $84,000 per year, in alignment with departmental equity and market data.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President of Enrollment, the Retention Coordinator will play a lead role in identifying barriers to retention and on-time graduation and will collaborate across campus to identify solutions to improve the student experience. The position will work with enrollment, academic and student affairs partners to determine students at risk at the time and will track retention after each quarter. They will serve as a point person and University partner for students who have financial holds prior to registration, students who have been enrolled longer than four years or 12 quarters, and students who did not progress. They will provide resources for students and ensure a smooth transition back to campus. The position will also work on enrollment projects and initiatives that aim to improve student success.

The scope of this position may expand or shift during the initial years of the appointment, with responsibilities and priorities adjusting in response to institutional needs, strategic initiatives, and the incumbent's demonstrated strengths and expertise.

Retention and on-time graduation success is a priority for Northwestern, and our rates are among the best in the country. Understanding barriers and exploring patterns is critical to ensure our students' continued success.

Specific Responsibilities:

Retention & Student Support

• Work closely with campus partners and Enrollment's Data Analytics team to identify and tracks students at risk of attrition.
• Monitors student retention rates after each quarter and collaborates with campus partners to address trends.
• Serves as a point of contact for students with financial holds, assisting them in navigating available resources and resolving registration barriers.
• Facilitates a smooth transition back to campus for students returning from leaves of absence or other interruptions in their studies.
• Assists in the creation and execution of enrollment strategies that enhance student persistence and academic achievement.

Projects & Collaboration

• Partners with the Enrollment Data Analytics and Institutional Research teams to develop and refine predictive models for student retention.
• Work closely with the Registrar's office to coordinate surveys to students who did not re-enroll and assist in facilitating the re-enrollment process.
• Analyzes enrollment and retention data to inform policies and best practices.
• Works with academic advisors, Financial Aid, Student Affairs, and other campus partners to implement student success initiatives.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.

• Experience in higher education, particularly enrollment management, admissions, financial aid, advising, or retention.

• Working knowledge of statistical concepts and/or software.

• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's degree or higher.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills.

• Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to collect, organize, and analyze details with attention to detail and nuance.

• Ability to handle confidential information with a high degree of discretion and tact.

• Familiarity with FERPA and other federal compliance policies.

• Willingness to adjust to evolving priorities and an expanding or shifting scope of work.

• Forward-thinking, collaborative, has a sense of urgency and engagement, honesty and candor, and a personal presence that is approachable.

• Ability to communicate inclusively and build relationships with all members of Northwestern community (students, faculty, staff).

• Experience using PeopleSoft or Slate CRM software.

• Familiarity with Northwestern.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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